FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR A):
20th April 2008
Fr Frank writes:
As I write this I am looking forward to my annual retreat, when you read it I shall have returned, hopefully spiritually, mentally and physically refreshed. I will have been staying at St Cuthman's : the retreat house for the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. I have stayed in the comfortable house before, but this year have decided to stay in one of the huts situated in the grounds. Occupants of these huts are not able to use the facilities in the house, and are expected to cater for themselves. In effect, it will be like living as a hermit for four days. I will have plenty of time to pray, and, I'm sure it goes without saying, that your needs and the needs of our parish will have been prominent during my prayer times.
By the time you read this, we should have appointed a new head teacher for The Bishops' School. We continue to pray for our parish school and for all our children and young people.
May St Augustine of Canterbury pray for you, and may God bless you all.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 20th April: St Mary's Great Baddow (Revv Alistair McGregor & Roger Matthews)
- 27th April: St Michael & All Angels, Galleywood (Rev Andy Griffiths)
Parish News:
- Thank you: last week's appeal by Andy Lewis on behalf of the Daughters of Charity in Sudan produced £940.70. This is a wonderful total. Thank you for your generosity. Fr Frank.
- Do you have a story to tell?: We are currently working on the next issue of the parish magazine, The Augustinian, and would like to hear from you. Speak to Fr Frank or the editor, Steve Wilkinson, after the 9am Mass at St Augustine's. Otherwise call Steve on 01245 468519 or email him. The next issue is out on August 1st.
- Christian Aid Week 11-17 May 2008: Christian aid believes in life before death so we fund long term development work, respond to emergencies and challenge the unjust systems that make and keep people poor. We don't give money to governments - we work directly with local organisations on the ground. Please consider keeping a few hours free between 11-17 May to help our annual fundraising effort.
- Coffee Morning in support of Christian Aid Saturday 26th April 10am - 12noon: at Church of Our Saviour. Drop in for coffee and chat. Cake stall - donations welcome. Contact Maureen Henes on 01245 469933.
- Standing order: If you bank with the Woolwich and currently have a monthly standing order to the parish, would you mind letting Fr Frank know? We are receiving a payment that we cannot tie up with Gift Aid records. Many thanks.
- Parish Pilgrimage to Padua and Venice (21st - 27th September): there are only 2 places remaining on this pilgrimage. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Contact Tony Cornish on 264821 or by email
- Pentecost Sunday: falls on 11th May and, once again, I would like the readings at the Sunday Masses at St Augustine's and the Church of Our Saviour to be in a language other than English. If you would like to read at one of these Masses (particularly if your first language is not English), I would like to hear from you. Thank you. Fr Frank.
- Masses: I am very conscious of the backlog of Masses waiting to be said. Every request is important but we do give priority where we know there is a particular urgency - illness, recent death or serious problems - and in the case of multiple requests for the same person we try to spread them out in fairness to everyone. I know you will be patient and assure you that we do give everyone equal consideration.
Other News:
- St John Payne PTA presents A Wine Tasting Evening: (over 18s only) next Saturday 26th April from 7.30pm - 10pm in Upper School Hall at the school. Tickets £6 available from School Office or email Cynthia or Wendy
- Little Havens 10th Birthday 13th June: To mark this birthday Little Havens Children's Hospice is inviting you to take part in a cake event! If you can bake, sell or eat cake you can participate by running a cake competition, coffee morning with cake sale, cake auction, guess the weight of the cake - the possibilities are endless! To claim your free fundraising pack for this excellent cause please call 01702 220350 or visit littlehavens.org.uk/birthdayinvite.
Advertisements:
- A vacancy for an Administrator at the Sion Community: in Brentwood will arise shortly. The work is full time, varied and interesting and would suit a mature person with a background in office administration. Terms & conditions negotiable. For more info and an application form please contact John Foy (the current post-holder) or Quentin Hall on 01277 215011 or by email
- Headteacher required for St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Dagenham: from September 2008. Group 2 ISR L18-24. The Governors wish to appoint a committed practising Catholic with a strong personal faith and a clear vision of Catholic education. Please contact Chidi Okwesilieze on 0208 2273013 or by email for information pack and application form. Closing date 21.04.08, shortlisting 22.04.08, interviews 28.04.08.
- Deputy Headteacher - St Alban's Primary School, Hornchurch: due to promotion, Governors wish to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Catholic Deputy Headteacher for September 2008. For further info please contact the school office on 01708 555644. Closing date 25.04.08.
Sunday Smile:
From church notice boards/newsletters (honest!):
- The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
- The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
- The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
Items for the Newsletter:
Your views are always welcome. Please deliver your contributions to the Presbytery before noon on the preceding Wednesday.
Parish Weekly Income:
Grateful thanks for your continued generosity.